A trait-based root acquisition-defence-decomposition framework in angiosperm tree species

Jiajia Zheng, Grégoire T. Freschet, Leho Tedersoo, Shenggong Li, Han Yan, Lei Jiang, Huimin Wang, Ning Ma, Xiaoqin Dai, Xiaoli Fu and Liang Kou ()
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Jiajia Zheng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Grégoire T. Freschet: CNRS
Leho Tedersoo: University of Tartu
Shenggong Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Han Yan: Institut für Biologie
Lei Jiang: Zhejiang A&F University
Huimin Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ning Ma: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiaoqin Dai: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiaoli Fu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Liang Kou: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract To adapt to the complex belowground environment, plants make trade-offs between root resource acquisition and defence ability. This includes forming partnerships with different types of root associating microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi. These trade-offs, by mediating root chemistry, exert legacy effects on nutrient release during decomposition, which may, in turn, affect the ability of new roots to re-acquire resources, thereby generating a feedback loop. However, the linkages at the basis of this potential feedback loop remain largely unquantified. Here, we propose a trait-based root ‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ conceptual framework and test the strength of relevant linkages across 90 angiosperm tree species. We show that, at the plant species level, the root-fungal symbiosis gradient within the root economics space, root chemical defence (condensed tannins), and root decomposition rate are closely linked, providing support to this framework. Beyond the dichotomy between arbuscular mycorrhizal-dominated versus ectomycorrhizal-dominated systems, we suggest a continuous shift in feedback loops, from ‘high arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis-low defence-fast decomposition-inorganic nutrition’ by evolutionarily ancient taxa to ‘high ectomycorrhizal symbiosis-high defence-slow decomposition-organic nutrition’ by more modern taxa. This ‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ framework provides a foundation for testable hypotheses on multidimensional linkages between species’ belowground strategies and ecosystem nutrient cycling in an evolutionary context.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49666-3

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